My 2004 sunfire coupe has 314,000km (195,000mi) on it and normally starts up just fine and right away. Even when it is bitter cold out down to -30c (-22f).

Over the last few months an issue has been creeping up and has lately been severe enough to take notice. When I refuel, whether it be a full talk or half a tank, doesn't matter, The engine is really hard to start immediately afterwards. It used to be just a little extra crank than the usual flick of the ignition and it would run easily enough. Now its become Crank for a few seconds.... not running, pause, crank a few seconds... still not going....pause.... crank a a few seconds more, now running but I have to give it a little gas to keep it going for the first 10 seconds or so. And that's it, its fine after that. Any other time it starts instantly, hot or cold, doesn't matter. Just not when I refuel.

Has anyone encountered this kind of situation before? I'm not sure I could rationalize it as a fuel pump or filter issue. I'm going to change the fuel filter anyway since its due for it. Some kind of sensor problem maybe?

Some insight would be greatly appreciated. Till I solve this I think I'm just going to refuel with the engine still running. Everyone used to do it back in the day.

i've heard of this before. if i remember correctly, the EVAP vent solenoid (rear of the car) was replaced to correct this.

this has been going on in my car for almost a year now, i did change the fuel filter and no change.

my cel has been on for sometime for a gross leak in the evap system. i think i will look into replacing the selenoid and go from there

is it when you refuel only, or is it whenever the car is warm (ie, already at op temp start)?

he said it happens just after refuel only, same issue as mine